Benefits to Union

Detailed findings

Unions recognize that the skills their members need today are greater than in the past.  

Unions are channeling resources and energy into helping their members cope with change in the workplace.  Their awareness of the need to be a part of managing workplace change has prompted unions to financially support and actively encourage workplace education programs.  

As job requirements increase, employees need better basic reading, writing and numeracy skills, as well the ability to communicate effectively and to solve problems on their own.  The introduction of new and advanced technologies to the workplace directly affects the work performed by labor and increases the skill sets needed to use and operate the new machinery. 

Unions can assist their members to change in order to  meet the needs and interest of the membership.  By supporting WEPs, unions focus on increasing the value of employees to the firm.  In this way, they safeguard their members' jobs and improve their employment opportunities

By supporting WEPs, unions also gain benefits as organizations:

• Members are more likely to feel loyalty and stay in the union because they appreciate the value they gain from union leadership and support for skills training.  
  
  

• Members with improved skills often take a more active part in union committees and program development.

See detailed findings for more information about benefits to unions.

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Last updated: February 18, 2001 .